What is the difference between Counseling and Naturopathic Medicine?

Counseling is one of the modalities used by naturopathic physicians.  Naturopathic Medicine is a holistic approach to healthcare that requires knowledge of conventional medical sciences and pharmacology as well as additional training in counseling, nutrition, botanical medicine, physical medicine, and homeopathy. 

My naturopathic medical education included a two year course series focused on counseling and behavioral medicine where we practiced counseling skills, discussed creating a therapeutic relationship, and learned specific approaches including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Motivational Interviewing.  I also worked with patients through clinical shifts in counseling and Mind Body Medicine at Bastyr Center for Natural Health, our teaching clinic. 

Because I’m especially interested in mental health, I pursued additional training in Counseling Psychology.  I believe that integrating the mind body connection is one of the most powerful ways we can make changes in our lives and improve our health.  Counseling is the primary modality I use as a naturopathic clinician, and there are times when other tools of naturopathic medicine may be helpful for the people I work with. 

Can you be my primary care provider?

I do not provide primary care services.  Naturopathic doctors have a broad scope of practice in Washington state which enables us to prescribe natural and pharmaceutical medicines and serve as patients’ primary care providers. My practice focuses on mental health and mind body connection. 

I can recommend excellent naturopathic primary care providers in Tacoma and other areas of Western Washington. 

Can you help me with my physical health problems?

I recognize that physical and mental health are connected.  The way we respond to stress can affect our physical symptoms, and physical health problems also impact our mental emotional wellbeing. I will ask about your physical health symptoms and diagnoses. I may make treatment recommendations (when within my scope of competence) and referrals to other providers to address physical health concerns.